Willits pounded by rain; more on the way

A series of storms has pounded Northern California, including Willits, this December. While unusual, the 18.2 inches that has fallen on Willits as of December 27 is by no means record-breaking-the 30.2 inches that fell in December 2005 has that honor.

More rainfall is predicted tonight and into Saturday, with drier but foggy conditions expected through New Year's Day.

Willits usually receives 49.77 inches of rainfall annually, with 7.83 inches falling in an "average" December. Since this "rain year" began October 1, Willits has received 33 inches.

On average, the heaviest rain month for Willits is January, with 9.8 inches, followed by February, with 8.78 inches. Despite these averages, local rainfall can be quite variable depending upon the jet stream.

Since 1878, the total seasonal rainfall has ranged from a high of 85 inches to a low of 16.88 inches.